Netflix’s One Piece Co-Showrunner Matt Owens Is Stepping Away

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Summary

  • Matt Owens stepped away from Netflix’s One Piece to focus on his mental health after working on the project for 6 years.
  • His departure will impact production timelines, but One Piece Season 2 has already finished filming.
  • In light of Owens leaving, fans should appreciate the hard work of the cast, crew, and showrunners involved in the series.

On Netflix, “One Piece” appears to be thriving in various aspects as it gears up for its second season premiere. However, one significant player behind the scenes has had to depart from the project.

Initially, many believed that transforming the eccentric and stylistically unique world of One Piece into live-action was a mission deemed impossible. This skepticism stemmed not only from the series’ distinctive artwork and characters but also from the fact that previous attempts at adapting more traditional manga and anime had fallen short of fans’ expectations. Yet, Netflix decided to venture into this risky project despite past setbacks. To everyone’s delight, One Piece quickly gained favor among both new and veteran franchise enthusiasts, leading to the greenlighting of a second season. Most recently, fans were treated to exciting news: not only is there a third season on the horizon for Netflix, but the writers have already begun outlining the script for it.

As a devoted fan of “One Piece,” I’ve witnessed the incredible feat of the cast and team in bringing this unique anime to life on the big screen, overcoming the challenges that come with adapting such a distinctive source material. However, even a strong ship like the Going Merry can’t withstand every storm. Sadly, one crucial pillar has succumbed under the pressure.

One of the co-showrunners of “One Piece,” Matt Owens, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, expressing his gratitude for the six years he spent working on this project, which he called both a “life-changing journey” and a “dream come true.” Yet, he also acknowledged that it had been demanding and took its toll.

“I’m stepping off the Going Merry for a while to focus on myself and my mental health,” he wrote. He thanked Oda, Shueisha, Tomorrow Studios, Netflix, and the entire cast and crew for their trust, partnership, and hard work.

He also assured fans that he would be back soon, revealing his plans during his absence. This bold voyage through “One Piece” has been a remarkable experience, but it’s time for us all to prioritize our well-being.

Currently, I’ll step aside for a moment, engage in self-care, attempt to advance in Marvel: War of Heroes, and return rejuvenated for our upcoming journeys. Many thanks to all who have been by my side. I’ll be back shortly!

One Piece Should Be Able To Weather The Storm Without Him

Though it’s regrettable, his departure appears necessary, and I must admit, he has truly deserved it. It’s safe to say that Steven Maeda, Owens’ fellow showrunner, is more than capable of keeping the ship sailing smoothly in his absence. However, this break will undoubtedly leave an impression on our show, perhaps influencing the production timeline.

It’s been confirmed that filming for One Piece season 2 has wrapped up and post-production is well underway, so Owens’ absence won’t be noticeable until we move on to the third season. But fear not, fans! He should be back in time to contribute to the fourth season, which, though unconfirmed, seems highly likely.

The real-life adaptation of “One Piece” has boosted its manga sales, viewership on Netflix, and attracted new fans eager to delve into the extended series. It’s important to acknowledge the tremendous work put forth in this production. Following Owens’ departure, fans might want to pause and appreciate the immense dedication of the cast, team, and showrunner behind this show, as well as their contributions to other shows they admire. For now, everyone sends him warm wishes as he steps away for a break and prioritizes self-care.

You can now watch the live-action adaptation of “One Piece” on Netflix, and Season 2 is expected to premiere towards the end of 2025.

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2025-03-23 16:16